The governors at Brookmans Park Primary have decided to
invite an independent security adviser to visit the school to carry out a risk assessment.

It follows a recent security alert when two junior girls
went missing during playtime and were later found have gone off for a day
together in Gobions play area. Click here for
the earlier story.

The adviser will be expected to suggest what security
measures might need to be taken. The PTA has already indicated that it will contribute to
the cost of any additional gates or fences that are needed.

At the same time the head teacher, staff and governors are
to review the existing procedure for dealing with such incidents, paying particular
attention as to how and when they notify the police. A copy of their review will be sent
to all parents and will be posted on this site.

The details of the governors' decision were set out in a
letter from the chair of governors Jeremy Silverstone to all parents. Click here to read
the letter in full.

In it he says it is important not to demonstrate a
knee-jerk reaction to the incident or to turn the school into a fortress. But
he says it is the schools duty to ensure that children are safe from themselves and
outside intruders.

He says the schools existing plan of action for such
events contributed to a speedy resolution of the situation and thanks head teacher Peter
Evans and his staff for their efficient response.

Click here to read
the letter Peter Evans sent home to parents following the incident.